This list of Florida hurricanes prior to 1900 extends back to 1523 and encompasses 180
North Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms known to have affected
Florida. Since the start of the
Atlantic hurricane database in 1851, there were only eight years in which no tropical cyclone affected the state. Collectively, tropical cyclones in Florida resulted in at least 6,504 fatalities and monetary damage of over $90 million (2008 USD). At least 109 boats or ships were either driven ashore, wrecked, or damaged due to the storms.
Information is sparse for earlier years due to limitations in
tropical cyclone observation, though as coastlines became more populated, more data became available. The
National Hurricane Center recognizes the uncertainty in both the death tolls and the dates of the events.[1]
Pre-1700
1523 – Two ships and their crews are lost during a hurricane on the west Florida coast.[2]
1549 –
Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda survived a shipwreck due to a hurricane off Florida, and the Calusa rescued the crew and passengers. They then sacrificed all the other castaways but enslaved him; he escaped after 17 years in captivity and reported the tale [3][4]
1553 – A hurricane affects the state, killing fewer than 700 people.[5]
Around 1553 – A hurricane hits western
Florida, resulting in about 700 casualties.[5] Some modern researchers estimate this is the same storm as the previous event, as some early storms affecting more than one locale may have multiple listings if the storm track is unknown.[1]
1559 – A hurricane off northwestern Florida sinks six Spanish ships.[2]
August 20, 1559 – Around 500 people are killed by a hurricane offshore at western Florida.[5]
September 19, 1559 – A hurricane off the coast of Florida sinks several ships and kills many sailors.[2]Pensacolahistory notes this hurricane sinking 5 ships, with a Spanish
galleon, grounding a
caravel, and killing nearly 500 of 1,500 colonists and crewmen at Punta de Santa Maria across from
Santa Rosa Island.
1563 –
Cape Canaveral experiences the effects of a hurricane, with 284 fatalities reported.[5]
September 13, 1566 – Rough seas and strong winds are experienced in the northeastern portion of the state by an offshore hurricane. It executes a loop and affects the area three days later.[6]
September 26, 1566 – An offshore hurricane washes a ship ashore near
Cape Canaveral.[6]
1571 – Two ships are lost on the Florida coastline during a hurricane, with few survivors.[2]
Fall 1571 – A hurricane makes landfall near
Saint Augustine, causing great damage to the city from strong winds and a powerful storm surge.[6]
1589 – One ship is wrecked during a hurricane along the eastern coast of the state.[2]
1591 – 29 ships are lost along the coastal region of Florida during several tropical cyclones.[2]
September 22, 1599 – A hurricane makes landfall a short distance south of
Saint Augustine, destroying several houses and flooding the entire town.[6]
September 5, 1622 – 1,090 people are killed during a hurricane in the
Straits of Florida.[5]
August 1638 – A hurricane strikes the northeastern portion of the state, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[6]
September 27, 1641 – After passing over the Florida Straits, a hurricane wrecks five ships. The storm produces tropical storm force winds and rough seas along the northeastern portion of the state.[6]
August 19, 1674 – A hurricane known as the Great Storm of 1674 hits near
Saint Augustine, and severely damages the town and its fort from rough seas.[6]
1683 – 496 people die from a hurricane that affects east-central Florida,[5] though modern researchers question whether it was a hurricane or not.[1]
October 4, 1695 – A large ship is wrecked in the
Florida Keys due to a passing hurricane.[2]
1700s
September 30, 1707 – A hurricane makes landfall near or to the south of
Saint Augustine. Most of the houses in the town are destroyed due to the winds and storm surge. The storm drops rainfall there for at least 24 hours.[6]
Late June 1714 – Several ships are wrecked due to a hurricane in the
Florida Keys.[2]
July 31, 1715 – A hurricane sank 11 Spanish ships along a path from Ft. Pierce and south of Cape Canaveral carrying Gold and Silver; today this is known as the Treasure Coast.[7]
July 15, 1733 – A hurricane passes through
The Bahamas and southern
Florida, killing a total of 56 people.[5]
October 22, 1752 – Multiple vessels are lost during a hurricane off the state.[2]
November 3, 1752 – A large storm hits northwest Florida at
Santa Rosa Island, at Presidio Isla de Santa Rosa, destroying all but 2 buildings. The settlement is abandoned at the island and moved across the bay to what is now Pensacola. [8]
August 24, 1753 – A tropical storm passing through the northeastern portion of the state drops heavy precipitation.[6]
1758 – A hurricane which strikes
St. Marks results in 40 fatalities.[5]
1762 – The remaining settlement remnants at
Santa Rosa Island were wiped out by another hurricane.[9][10]
October 23, 1766 – A ship capsizes due to a hurricane off northwestern Florida.[2]
September 25, 1769 – Northeastern Florida experiences strong winds from a hurricane, though it is unknown if it makes landfall or not.[6]
October 29, 1769 – A strong hurricane hits
Miami, blowing down several trees and grounding a ship.[6]
June 1777 – A ship is lost off Florida, with the entire crew missing and believed killed.[2]
October 14, 1780 – A storm, possibly related to the
Great Hurricane of 1780, impacts the northeastern portion of the state with moderate winds and severe
beach erosion.[6]
1781 – About 2,000 people are killed due to a hurricane off the coast of the state.[5]
Early October 1794 – A hurricane estimated to have moved inland from the southwestern portion of the state resulted in moderate beach erosion near
Jacksonville.[6]
October 17, 1797 – An offshore hurricane capsizes a few ships off the eastern coast of Florida.[6]
September 15, 1806 – Saint Augustine receives a landfall from a severe hurricane that destroys several houses, uproots many trees, washes several vessels ashore, and destroys the city pier.[6]
October 4, 1811 – A hurricane of moderate intensity strikes near
Saint Augustine, with many houses in the city damaged or destroyed. Shipwrecks were reported throughout the eastern Florida coastline.[11] Several destroyed homes are not rebuilt for 11 years.[6]
October 1, 1812 – A hurricane remains stationary offshore of northeastern Florida, producing severe conditions along portions of the
St. Johns River.[6]
September 16, 1813 – The
eye of a major hurricane passes over the border between Florida and
Georgia.[6]
August 7, 1817 – A tropical storm hits near
Apalachicola Bay, though its effects are unknown.[6]
September 1819 – Heavy rainfall is caused by a tropical storm making landfall between
New Orleans and
Apalachicola.[12]
September 15, 1821 – A hurricane estimated to have made landfall near the border of
Alabama and
Mississippi produces high tides along the
Florida Panhandle, sinking six ships in
Pensacola and causing minor damage to homes.[13]
July 8, 1822 – A ship is breached along the extreme western
Florida Panhandle as a result of a tropical storm striking
Mississippi.[14]
September 14, 1824 – A storm which moves inland near
Darien, Georgia brings hurricane force conditions to northeastern Florida.[6]
June 2, 1825 – An early season storm produces gusty and rainy conditions in northeastern Florida after hitting between
Cedar Key and
Apalachicola.[6]
October 2, 1825 –
Saint Augustine is struck by a minimal hurricane. The hurricane produces a 4-foot
storm surge, causing some damage to houses, while moderate winds wash four ships aground and damage orange crops.[15]
August 15, 1830 – A hurricane which ultimately moves inland on
South Carolina parallels the eastern coast of the state, bringing strong winds and rain to coastal areas.[16]
August 22, 1830 – Just days after the previous storm, another hurricane impacts and parallels the eastern coastline.[17]
Early August 1835 – An offshore tropical storm produces winds in excess of 40 mph (65 km/h) in the northeastern portion of the state.[6]
August 15, 1835 –
Key West and the
Dry Tortugas report gusty winds from a hurricane passing through central
Cuba, passing by Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, and ultimately ending up at the mouth of the Rio Grande in Texas on August 18.[18][19]
September 14, 1835 – A major hurricane strikes southeastern Florida, moves across the state, and recurves in the
Gulf of Mexico before hitting near
Tampa Bay. In the southeastern portion of the state, the hurricane severely floods several islands, while damage in and around Tampa totals $200,000 (1835
USD, $4.1 million 2008 USD). After moving northeastward through the state, the hurricane destroys the lighthouse at the
Ponce de León Inlet.[20]
September 14-15, 1835 – Hurricane strikes
Key West on the 14th and 15th. First good account of hurricane activity near Key West island as the island was sparsely populated before 1830. [21][22]
August 1, 1837 – East-central Florida is struck by a minimal hurricane which produces heavy rainfall and strong winds for northeastern Florida.[23]
August 7, 1837 – A storm estimated to have struck
Mississippi destroys several warehouses in
Saint Marks from its 6-foot (1.8 m) storm surge.[24]
August 7, 1837 – Simultaneously existing with the previous storm, a hurricane moves ashore near
Fernandina Beach, destroying at least nineteen buildings from moderate winds and higher than usual tides.[25]
August 16, 1837 – A storm known as the Calypso Hurricane parallels the eastern coastline offshore and produces tropical storm force winds in the northeastern portion of the state.[6]
Mid-August 1837 – A hurricane makes landfall south of
Saint Augustine and after moving northwestward through the state it passes through
Tallahassee.[26]
August 30, 1837 – A small storm estimated to have been a major hurricane strikes the northwestern Florida coastline. Considered by some to be the most severe gale in the area, the hurricane produces tides estimated at 15 feet (4.6 m) above normal. Flooding from the storm damages or destroys multiple buildings, causing eight deaths and $230,000 in damage (1837 USD, $4.4 million 2008 USD).[27]
September 13, 1837 –
Saint Augustine reports moderate northeasterly winds from a nearby hurricane, though other details are unknown.[28]
September 24, 1837 – A tropical storm believed to have struck the east-central coastline produces moderate winds in northeastern Florida.[6]
October 18, 1841 – A northeastward moving hurricane passes south of the
Florida Keys and wash many ships aground.[31]
August 2, 1842 – A weak tropical storm produces heavy rainfall in northeastern Florida.[6]
September 4, 1842 – Moderate damage is caused by a hurricane passing
Key West.[32]
September 22, 1842 – A tropical storm makes landfall near
Pensacola.[33]
October 4, 1842 – A 955
mbar major hurricane which makes landfall on northwestern Florida produces a 20-foot (6 m) storm surge at
Cedar Key. Strong winds result in severe damage in
Tallahassee, where damage amounts to $500,000 (1842 USD, $11.1 million 2008 USD).
Saint Augustine reports strong winds and heavy rainfall.[34]
October 26, 1842 – An offshore storm produces tropical storm force winds and high tides.[6]
September 13, 1843 –
Port Leon is struck by a strong hurricane and is nearly destroyed by its 10-foot (3 m)
storm surge.[35] Residents in the city moved four miles northward in response to the hurricane and formed the city of
Newport.[36] The hurricane kills 14 in the
Florida Panhandle,[35] of which only one occurred in Port Leon.[36]
September 7, 1844 – A small, intense hurricane hits near
Daytona Beach, and is considered by one modern historian to be the most severe storm to affect northeastern Florida in the 19th century. After crossing the state, the
eye passed over
Apalachicola[6] where its strong winds destroyed the roofs of several buildings.[37]
October 4, 1844 – A large hurricane passes through the
Florida Straits and produces high tides and strong winds along the eastern coastline.[38]
October 11, 1846 – The
Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 passes near
Key West with an estimated pressure of 902
mbar (hPa) and winds of possibly
Category 5 status,[39] damaging or destroying all but 6 of the houses in the city. 50 are killed,[40] and damage amounts to $200,000 (1846 USD, $4.8 million 2008 USD). It is estimated it struck mainland Florida near
Cedar Key,[41] producing severe flooding and strong winds.[6]
September 25, 1848 – The
Great Gale of 1848 strikes near
Tampa as a major hurricane with an estimated pressure of 948
mbar.[6] Considered one of the most significant hurricanes in the Tampa area, the 15 foot (4.6 m) storm surge from the hurricane destroyed much of Tampa and nearby
Fort Brooke.[42]
October 11, 1848 – A major hurricane hits northwestern Florida, causing additional damage to the severe hurricane a few weeks before.[43]
1850–1859
August 23, 1850 – A large hurricane strikes near
Apalachicola, with its powerful storm surge destroying many ships and flooding coastal roads.[44]
August 24, 1851 –
Apalachicola is hit by a major hurricane, causing severe damage in the
St. Marks area from its 12-foot (3.7 m)
storm tide.[45]
August 22, 1852 – The first hurricane of the season produces hurricane-force winds in the
Florida Keys.[45] It later makes landfall near the
Mississippi/
Alabama border, producing strong winds and a pressure of 980
mbar in
Pensacola.[46]
September 12, 1852 – The third hurricane of the season strikes near
Tampa, producing strong winds and high seas in coastal areas.[6] Rainfall from the storm totals 0.55 inches (14 mm) at
Fort Meade.[45]
October 9, 1852 –
St. Marks is hit by a moderate hurricane which results in downed trees and damage to multiple small structures.[6]
October 20, 1853 – A storm paralleling the northeastern Florida coastline produces hurricane-force winds and
coastal flooding.[6]
September 8, 1854 – The third hurricane of the season parallels the northeastern Florida coastline as a major hurricane before striking eastern
Georgia. Though it is very severe offshore, impact is minor in Florida.[6]
September 15, 1858 – The third tropical storm of the season hits near
Tampa Bay and causes little effects as it crosses the state.[6]
September 16, 1859 – A hurricane hits southern
Alabama and produces hurricane force conditions in western Florida. The storm produces heavy rainfall including a total of 3.3 inches (84 mm) in Barrancas Barracks, and destroys several buildings near the coast at
Pensacola. One ship is washed aground.[45]
October 17, 1859 – A tropical storm hits near
Fort Lauderdale, though effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
1860–1869
August 16, 1861 – The second hurricane of the season passes a short distance to the west of the
Florida Keys, producing 35 mph (55 km/h) winds at
Fort Jefferson.[48] The storm is believed to have later turned to the northeast, cross over the state, and wash a
Confederate ship ashore at
Saint Augustine.[6]
November 1, 1861 – A tropical storm hits near
Chokoloskee on the southwest coastline, crosses the state, and exits into the Atlantic Ocean near
Cape Canaveral. Impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
May 28, 1863 – Strong hurricane "Amanda" struck northwest Florida on May 28; the earliest landfall during a year known in the US.[49]
September 17, 1863 – An offshore tropical storm causes disruption in shipping in the coastal waters off eastern Florida.[6]
October 23, 1865 – The final hurricane of the season passes through the western
Florida Keys and hits near
Cape Sable, producing heavy rainfall of 4.1 inches (104 mm) in
Key West and strong winds throughout the state.[45]
October 6, 1867 – A hurricane hits near the mouth of the
Steinhatchee River, though effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 4, 1868 –
Apalachicola is struck by a tropical storm. There were no reports of damage.[47]
1870–1879
October 9, 1870 – A
Category 2 hurricane moves northeastward through the
Florida Straits, producing hurricane-force winds across the southern portion of the state. Impact is unknown in the state.[45]
October 20, 1870 – The
eye of a moderate hurricane passes over the
Dry Tortugas, producing heavy rainfall and widespread debris. It later strikes
Chokoloskee, crosses the state, and tracks out to sea.[45] Numerous fatalities were reported in the state.[5]
August 17, 1871 – A major hurricane makes landfall near
Palm Beach with a pressure of 952
mbar.[45] The hurricane causes several shipwrecks on the Atlantic coastline, while in
Jacksonville moderate winds destroy the roofs of several weak buildings.[6]
August 25, 1871 – The fourth tropical storm and second hurricane of the season hits near
Palm Beach, causing at least one shipwreck along the coastline.[6]
September 6, 1871 – A minor hurricane hits near the mouth of the
Steinhatchee River and produces heavy rainfall across the state.[6]
October 5, 1871 –
Saint Marks is struck by a tropical storm, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 23, 1872 – A tropical storm hits near
Tampa and produces 5.94 inches (151 mm) of rainfall in
Jacksonville.[6]
June 2, 1873 – The first storm of the season hits near the Florida/
Georgia border and produces light winds, including a report of 28 mph (45 km/h) in
Jacksonville.[6]
September 23, 1873 –
Tampa is struck by a tropical storm. Its impact is unknown.[47]
October 7, 1873 – A major hurricane makes landfall near
Fort Myers and causes heavy damage in
Punta Rassa from its 14-foot (4.3 m)
storm tide.[45]
September 28, 1874 – The sixth storm and third hurricane of the season hits near
Yankeetown and, after briefly being downgraded to a tropical storm, exits later that day near the Florida-
Georgia state line. Impact is unknown.[47]
September 14, 1875 –
Key West reports 45 mph (70 km/h) winds in association with a hurricane that passes to the southwest of the state.[50]
September 27, 1875 – A tropical storm hits near
Panama City before quickly dissipating. Its effects are unknown.[45]
September 16, 1876 –
Jacksonville experiences 22 mph (35 km/h) from a tropical storm paralleling the east coast of Florida.[6]
October 20, 1876 – A moderate hurricane passes near
Key West and later strikes near
Cape Sable, though its impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
September 19, 1877 – After hitting southern
Louisiana, a hurricane makes landfall near
Panama City, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 26, 1877 – A tropical storm hits near
Cedar Key, causing no known damage.[6]
July 2, 1878 – The first storm of the season moves onshore just south of
Fort Myers, though its effects are unknown.[47]
September 8, 1878 – A tropical storm hits near
Key Largo, moves northwestward, and strengthens in the
Gulf of Mexico before looping to the northeast and striking near
Yankeetown as a
Category 2 hurricane.[47] Rainfall reaches 4.93 inches (155 mm) in
Key West,[51] and in
Jacksonville the storm produces a pressure of 989
mbar and winds of up to 48 mph (77 km/h). There, high tides result in flooding near waterways.[6] At least one death was reported in the state.[2]
October 10, 1878 – Heavy amounts of precipitation is caused by a tropical storm making landfall near
Apalachacola.[51]
October 21, 1878 –
A hurricane paralleling the east coast of Florida produces winds in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h) along the coastline and rainfall peaking at 4.8 inches (122 mm) at
Key West. Over a dozen ships are driven aground.[52]
October 16, 1879 –
Pensacola is struck by a weak tropical storm which produces light winds and moderate rainfall peaking at 2.36 inches (60 mm) in
Saint Marks.[53]
October 27, 1879 – A tropical storm hits near
Cedar Key, producing gusty winds in
Jacksonville but causing no known damage.[6]
1880–1889
August 29, 1880 –68 people die from a shipwreck as a result of a
Category 2 hurricane making landfall just to the south of
Cocoa Beach, Florida.[47] Several other ships are washed ashore from
Jupiter Inlet to the mouth of the
St. Johns River, and another is damaged in the
Gulf of Mexico after the hurricane crosses the state. In
Cedar Key it is considered one of the worst hurricanes on record, with several buildings destroyed.[54]
September 8, 1880 – A tropical storm hits near
Yankeetown, producing light amounts of rain and wind across the northern portion of the state.[6]
October 8, 1880 – The ninth storm and eighth hurricane of the season moves ashore just south of Yankeetown, though its impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
August 1, 1881 –
Pensacola reports 15.95 inches (405 mm) of rainfall in association with a tropical storm that hits near the
Alabama/
Mississippi border.[55]
August 17, 1881 – A northeastward moving tropical storm passes just south of the
Florida Keys and produces heavy rainfall and winds peaking at 28 mph (45 km/h) in Punta Russa.[55]
September 10, 1882 – The second hurricane of the season makes landfall as a major hurricane at
Pensacola, where it was considered to be among the most severe on record. Several boats are washed ashore along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. In and around
Jacksonville, the strong winds greatly damage the cotton crop and destroy several buildings, killing five people.[56]
October 11, 1882 – A minimal hurricane hits near
Yankeetown, causing moderate coastal flooding and heavy rainfall.[56]
September 10, 1883 –
Jacksonville reports heavy rainfall in intervals and moderate winds from a hurricane paralleling the eastern coastline.[57]
September 10, 1884 – An offshore tropical storm which later becomes a hurricane produces higher than normal tides in northeastern Florida.[6]
August 24, 1885 – Light rainfall and gale-force winds is reported in
Jacksonville in association with a hurricane paralleling the eastern coastline.[58]
August 30, September 21, and September 30, 1885 – Three tropical storms affect western Florida. Winds were not exceptionally strong, though the passage of the three storms contribute to a wet month in some portions of northern Florida, with precipitation accumulating to around 20 inches (500 mm) of rain.[6]
October 11, 1885 – The eighth storm of the season hits near the mouth of the
Steinhatchee River, producing localized street flooding and moderate winds.[6]
June 21, 1886 – An unusual
Category 2 hurricane in the month of June strikes near
St. Marks, producing strong winds gusts but little damage.[59]
June 30, 1886 – A week after the previous storm, another Category 2 hurricane hits the central
Florida Panhandle, causing damage to numerous ships and capsizing several others. The winds of the hurricane destroy dozens of houses and buildings, killing several people.[59]
July 19, 1886 – The fourth storm of the season makes landfall near
Yankeetown and produces gusty winds yet little damage.[59]
July 27, 1887 – A hurricane hits near
Pensacola and produces heavy rainfall peaking at 8 inches (203 mm) in
Cedar Key. The rainfall, in combination with strong winds and rough seas, cause heavy damage to crops and roads.[61]
August 22, 1887 – A major hurricane paralleling the eastern coastline produces strong winds near the coast.[61]
October 20, 1887 – Heavy rainfall is reported in association with a hurricane crossing the northwestern
Florida Panhandle.[61]
October 30, 1887 – The sixteenth storm of the season hits near
Tampa, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
August 16, 1888 – A major hurricane moves ashore on southeastern Florida, producing 2.02 inches (51 mm) of precipitation at
Jupiter and a storm tide of 14 feet (4.3 m) at
Miami. Damage is unknown.[45][62]
September 7, 1888 – 2.48 inches (63 mm) of rain is recorded in
Fort Meade in association with a tropical storm striking near
Palm Beach.[63]
September 23, 1888 – The sixth storm of the season formed just south of the
Florida Keys before briefly moving onshore in the extreme southeastern portion of the state. Effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
June 17, 1889 – The second storm of the season moves ashore near
Yankeetown. Impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
September 23, 1889 – After weakening from hurricane status, a tropical storm makes landfall on
Pensacola, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 6, 1889 – The final storm of the season strikes extreme southern Florida after passing through the Florida Keys, causing no known effects.[47]
1890–1899
August 24, 1891 – A minimal hurricane hits near
Homestead, though due to lack of observations near the landfall location its impact in the state is unknown.[45]
October 7, 1891 – The seventh storm of the season strikes
Cape Sable and causes no known impact.[47]
June 10, 1892 – A tropical storm which makes landfall near
Cape Sable drops large amounts of precipitation across the southern Florida.[64]
September 12, 1892 – Southeastern
Louisiana is hit by a tropical storm, with winds in
Pensacola reaching 47 mph (76 km/h).[65]
October 24, 1892 – Heavy rainfall is reported in southern Florida as a result of a tropical storm hitting
Tampa Bay.[64]
June 16, 1893 –
Saint Marks is struck by a tropical storm. Moderate winds and rainfall occurs throughout the northeastern portion of the state,[66] including a total of 1.51 inches in
Jacksonville.[6]
August 27, 1893 – The
Sea Islands Hurricane parallels the eastern coastline as a major hurricane, producing winds in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h) near the coast. The winds destroy nine cottages in
Mayport.[6]
October 12, 1893 – A major hurricane parallels the coastline about 60 miles (95 km) offshore. The
storm tide was high enough that at low tide, it was at the position of the normal high tide mark. The tide caused street flooding in
Saint Augustine, with heavy damage reported in
Mayport.[6]
August 7, 1894 – The second storm of the season hits just west of the Florida/
Alabama border.
Pensacola reports 50 mph (80 km/h) winds in association with the storm, though damage, if any, is unknown.[67]
September 25, 1894 –
A hurricane makes landfall near
Fort Myers. In
Tampa, rainfall reached 13.78 inches (350 mm), causing coastal flooding in areas.[68] Heavy damage was reported in several cities in northeastern Florida.[6]
October 9, 1894 – A major hurricane hits moves ashore near
Pensacola, producing high tides and heavy rainfall.[68]
October 2, 1895 – Heavy rainfall occurs in southern Florida as a result of a tropical storm passing a short distance to the south of the state.[69]
October 16, 1895 –
Naples is struck by a tropical storm whose impact is unknown.[47]
October 22, 1895 – An offshore hurricane causes high tides and strong winds in southeastern Florida.[69]
July 7, 1896 – A
Category 2 hurricane hits near
Pensacola. There, strong winds destroy the roofs of about 35 houses and wreck 9 boats. Damage in the city is estimated at over $100,000 (1896 USD, $2.6 million 2008 USD).[70]
September 29, 1896 – The
fourth storm makes landfall as a major hurricane on
Yankeetown with a pressure of 960
mbar. Strong winds downed hundreds of trees and caused severe damage amounting to $1.5 million (1896 USD, $36 million 2006 USD).[70] Multiple deaths were reported in the state.[5]
October 9, 1896 – A tropical storm hits near
Fort Myers, though its impact is unknown.[47]
September 11, 1897 – An anemometer in
Pensacola reports winds of 43 mph (69 km/h) from a hurricane in the
Gulf of Mexico. It is unknown if the hurricane causes damage in the state.[71]
September 21, 1897 – The third storm of the season moves ashore just north of Fort Myers and produces heavy rainfall, including a 24‑hour total of 6.56 inches (166 mm) in
Tampa.[72]
August 2, 1898 – A tropical storm makes landfall near
Palm Beach, crosses the state, and intensifies in the
Gulf of Mexico before hitting
Apalachicola as a hurricane. Three barges, four tug boats, and several boats are destroyed, and numerous wharves and dwellings are damaged as a result of the storm. Four people die from the shipwrecks.[73]
October 2, 1898 – A
Category 4 hurricane hits southern
Georgia, causing severe damage in the extreme northeastern portion of the state. A
storm surge of 12 feet floods and damages several buildings along the
Fernandina waterfront.[6] A conservative estimate for total damage in the state is $500,000 (1898 USD, $13 million 2008 USD).[73]
August 1, 1899 – After previously moving across southwestern Florida, a
Category 2 hurricane strikes
Apalachicola. The storm causes $575,000 in boat, crop, and property damage (1899 USD, $14.8 million 2008 USD), and also results in six fatalities.[74]
August 13, 1899 – The
San Ciriaco Hurricane parallels the eastern coastline, producing moderate winds and light damage.[74]
October 5, 1899 – A tropical storm hits near
Tampa and sinks a schooner off
Fernandina Beach.[6]
October 30, 1899 – A hurricane parallels the eastern Florida coastline, with several locations near the coast recording strong winds in association with the storm. No cases of serious damage are reported.[74]
Monthly statistics
Number of recorded storms affecting Florida
Month
Number of storms
June
10
July
6
August
35
September
56
October
53
November
1
Deadly storms
The following is a list of hurricanes with known deaths in the state. Several other hurricanes killed an unknown number of people in Florida, and multiple others left several missing.
This list of Florida hurricanes prior to 1900 extends back to 1523 and encompasses 180
North Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms known to have affected
Florida. Since the start of the
Atlantic hurricane database in 1851, there were only eight years in which no tropical cyclone affected the state. Collectively, tropical cyclones in Florida resulted in at least 6,504 fatalities and monetary damage of over $90 million (2008 USD). At least 109 boats or ships were either driven ashore, wrecked, or damaged due to the storms.
Information is sparse for earlier years due to limitations in
tropical cyclone observation, though as coastlines became more populated, more data became available. The
National Hurricane Center recognizes the uncertainty in both the death tolls and the dates of the events.[1]
Pre-1700
1523 – Two ships and their crews are lost during a hurricane on the west Florida coast.[2]
1549 –
Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda survived a shipwreck due to a hurricane off Florida, and the Calusa rescued the crew and passengers. They then sacrificed all the other castaways but enslaved him; he escaped after 17 years in captivity and reported the tale [3][4]
1553 – A hurricane affects the state, killing fewer than 700 people.[5]
Around 1553 – A hurricane hits western
Florida, resulting in about 700 casualties.[5] Some modern researchers estimate this is the same storm as the previous event, as some early storms affecting more than one locale may have multiple listings if the storm track is unknown.[1]
1559 – A hurricane off northwestern Florida sinks six Spanish ships.[2]
August 20, 1559 – Around 500 people are killed by a hurricane offshore at western Florida.[5]
September 19, 1559 – A hurricane off the coast of Florida sinks several ships and kills many sailors.[2]Pensacolahistory notes this hurricane sinking 5 ships, with a Spanish
galleon, grounding a
caravel, and killing nearly 500 of 1,500 colonists and crewmen at Punta de Santa Maria across from
Santa Rosa Island.
1563 –
Cape Canaveral experiences the effects of a hurricane, with 284 fatalities reported.[5]
September 13, 1566 – Rough seas and strong winds are experienced in the northeastern portion of the state by an offshore hurricane. It executes a loop and affects the area three days later.[6]
September 26, 1566 – An offshore hurricane washes a ship ashore near
Cape Canaveral.[6]
1571 – Two ships are lost on the Florida coastline during a hurricane, with few survivors.[2]
Fall 1571 – A hurricane makes landfall near
Saint Augustine, causing great damage to the city from strong winds and a powerful storm surge.[6]
1589 – One ship is wrecked during a hurricane along the eastern coast of the state.[2]
1591 – 29 ships are lost along the coastal region of Florida during several tropical cyclones.[2]
September 22, 1599 – A hurricane makes landfall a short distance south of
Saint Augustine, destroying several houses and flooding the entire town.[6]
September 5, 1622 – 1,090 people are killed during a hurricane in the
Straits of Florida.[5]
August 1638 – A hurricane strikes the northeastern portion of the state, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[6]
September 27, 1641 – After passing over the Florida Straits, a hurricane wrecks five ships. The storm produces tropical storm force winds and rough seas along the northeastern portion of the state.[6]
August 19, 1674 – A hurricane known as the Great Storm of 1674 hits near
Saint Augustine, and severely damages the town and its fort from rough seas.[6]
1683 – 496 people die from a hurricane that affects east-central Florida,[5] though modern researchers question whether it was a hurricane or not.[1]
October 4, 1695 – A large ship is wrecked in the
Florida Keys due to a passing hurricane.[2]
1700s
September 30, 1707 – A hurricane makes landfall near or to the south of
Saint Augustine. Most of the houses in the town are destroyed due to the winds and storm surge. The storm drops rainfall there for at least 24 hours.[6]
Late June 1714 – Several ships are wrecked due to a hurricane in the
Florida Keys.[2]
July 31, 1715 – A hurricane sank 11 Spanish ships along a path from Ft. Pierce and south of Cape Canaveral carrying Gold and Silver; today this is known as the Treasure Coast.[7]
July 15, 1733 – A hurricane passes through
The Bahamas and southern
Florida, killing a total of 56 people.[5]
October 22, 1752 – Multiple vessels are lost during a hurricane off the state.[2]
November 3, 1752 – A large storm hits northwest Florida at
Santa Rosa Island, at Presidio Isla de Santa Rosa, destroying all but 2 buildings. The settlement is abandoned at the island and moved across the bay to what is now Pensacola. [8]
August 24, 1753 – A tropical storm passing through the northeastern portion of the state drops heavy precipitation.[6]
1758 – A hurricane which strikes
St. Marks results in 40 fatalities.[5]
1762 – The remaining settlement remnants at
Santa Rosa Island were wiped out by another hurricane.[9][10]
October 23, 1766 – A ship capsizes due to a hurricane off northwestern Florida.[2]
September 25, 1769 – Northeastern Florida experiences strong winds from a hurricane, though it is unknown if it makes landfall or not.[6]
October 29, 1769 – A strong hurricane hits
Miami, blowing down several trees and grounding a ship.[6]
June 1777 – A ship is lost off Florida, with the entire crew missing and believed killed.[2]
October 14, 1780 – A storm, possibly related to the
Great Hurricane of 1780, impacts the northeastern portion of the state with moderate winds and severe
beach erosion.[6]
1781 – About 2,000 people are killed due to a hurricane off the coast of the state.[5]
Early October 1794 – A hurricane estimated to have moved inland from the southwestern portion of the state resulted in moderate beach erosion near
Jacksonville.[6]
October 17, 1797 – An offshore hurricane capsizes a few ships off the eastern coast of Florida.[6]
September 15, 1806 – Saint Augustine receives a landfall from a severe hurricane that destroys several houses, uproots many trees, washes several vessels ashore, and destroys the city pier.[6]
October 4, 1811 – A hurricane of moderate intensity strikes near
Saint Augustine, with many houses in the city damaged or destroyed. Shipwrecks were reported throughout the eastern Florida coastline.[11] Several destroyed homes are not rebuilt for 11 years.[6]
October 1, 1812 – A hurricane remains stationary offshore of northeastern Florida, producing severe conditions along portions of the
St. Johns River.[6]
September 16, 1813 – The
eye of a major hurricane passes over the border between Florida and
Georgia.[6]
August 7, 1817 – A tropical storm hits near
Apalachicola Bay, though its effects are unknown.[6]
September 1819 – Heavy rainfall is caused by a tropical storm making landfall between
New Orleans and
Apalachicola.[12]
September 15, 1821 – A hurricane estimated to have made landfall near the border of
Alabama and
Mississippi produces high tides along the
Florida Panhandle, sinking six ships in
Pensacola and causing minor damage to homes.[13]
July 8, 1822 – A ship is breached along the extreme western
Florida Panhandle as a result of a tropical storm striking
Mississippi.[14]
September 14, 1824 – A storm which moves inland near
Darien, Georgia brings hurricane force conditions to northeastern Florida.[6]
June 2, 1825 – An early season storm produces gusty and rainy conditions in northeastern Florida after hitting between
Cedar Key and
Apalachicola.[6]
October 2, 1825 –
Saint Augustine is struck by a minimal hurricane. The hurricane produces a 4-foot
storm surge, causing some damage to houses, while moderate winds wash four ships aground and damage orange crops.[15]
August 15, 1830 – A hurricane which ultimately moves inland on
South Carolina parallels the eastern coast of the state, bringing strong winds and rain to coastal areas.[16]
August 22, 1830 – Just days after the previous storm, another hurricane impacts and parallels the eastern coastline.[17]
Early August 1835 – An offshore tropical storm produces winds in excess of 40 mph (65 km/h) in the northeastern portion of the state.[6]
August 15, 1835 –
Key West and the
Dry Tortugas report gusty winds from a hurricane passing through central
Cuba, passing by Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, and ultimately ending up at the mouth of the Rio Grande in Texas on August 18.[18][19]
September 14, 1835 – A major hurricane strikes southeastern Florida, moves across the state, and recurves in the
Gulf of Mexico before hitting near
Tampa Bay. In the southeastern portion of the state, the hurricane severely floods several islands, while damage in and around Tampa totals $200,000 (1835
USD, $4.1 million 2008 USD). After moving northeastward through the state, the hurricane destroys the lighthouse at the
Ponce de León Inlet.[20]
September 14-15, 1835 – Hurricane strikes
Key West on the 14th and 15th. First good account of hurricane activity near Key West island as the island was sparsely populated before 1830. [21][22]
August 1, 1837 – East-central Florida is struck by a minimal hurricane which produces heavy rainfall and strong winds for northeastern Florida.[23]
August 7, 1837 – A storm estimated to have struck
Mississippi destroys several warehouses in
Saint Marks from its 6-foot (1.8 m) storm surge.[24]
August 7, 1837 – Simultaneously existing with the previous storm, a hurricane moves ashore near
Fernandina Beach, destroying at least nineteen buildings from moderate winds and higher than usual tides.[25]
August 16, 1837 – A storm known as the Calypso Hurricane parallels the eastern coastline offshore and produces tropical storm force winds in the northeastern portion of the state.[6]
Mid-August 1837 – A hurricane makes landfall south of
Saint Augustine and after moving northwestward through the state it passes through
Tallahassee.[26]
August 30, 1837 – A small storm estimated to have been a major hurricane strikes the northwestern Florida coastline. Considered by some to be the most severe gale in the area, the hurricane produces tides estimated at 15 feet (4.6 m) above normal. Flooding from the storm damages or destroys multiple buildings, causing eight deaths and $230,000 in damage (1837 USD, $4.4 million 2008 USD).[27]
September 13, 1837 –
Saint Augustine reports moderate northeasterly winds from a nearby hurricane, though other details are unknown.[28]
September 24, 1837 – A tropical storm believed to have struck the east-central coastline produces moderate winds in northeastern Florida.[6]
October 18, 1841 – A northeastward moving hurricane passes south of the
Florida Keys and wash many ships aground.[31]
August 2, 1842 – A weak tropical storm produces heavy rainfall in northeastern Florida.[6]
September 4, 1842 – Moderate damage is caused by a hurricane passing
Key West.[32]
September 22, 1842 – A tropical storm makes landfall near
Pensacola.[33]
October 4, 1842 – A 955
mbar major hurricane which makes landfall on northwestern Florida produces a 20-foot (6 m) storm surge at
Cedar Key. Strong winds result in severe damage in
Tallahassee, where damage amounts to $500,000 (1842 USD, $11.1 million 2008 USD).
Saint Augustine reports strong winds and heavy rainfall.[34]
October 26, 1842 – An offshore storm produces tropical storm force winds and high tides.[6]
September 13, 1843 –
Port Leon is struck by a strong hurricane and is nearly destroyed by its 10-foot (3 m)
storm surge.[35] Residents in the city moved four miles northward in response to the hurricane and formed the city of
Newport.[36] The hurricane kills 14 in the
Florida Panhandle,[35] of which only one occurred in Port Leon.[36]
September 7, 1844 – A small, intense hurricane hits near
Daytona Beach, and is considered by one modern historian to be the most severe storm to affect northeastern Florida in the 19th century. After crossing the state, the
eye passed over
Apalachicola[6] where its strong winds destroyed the roofs of several buildings.[37]
October 4, 1844 – A large hurricane passes through the
Florida Straits and produces high tides and strong winds along the eastern coastline.[38]
October 11, 1846 – The
Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 passes near
Key West with an estimated pressure of 902
mbar (hPa) and winds of possibly
Category 5 status,[39] damaging or destroying all but 6 of the houses in the city. 50 are killed,[40] and damage amounts to $200,000 (1846 USD, $4.8 million 2008 USD). It is estimated it struck mainland Florida near
Cedar Key,[41] producing severe flooding and strong winds.[6]
September 25, 1848 – The
Great Gale of 1848 strikes near
Tampa as a major hurricane with an estimated pressure of 948
mbar.[6] Considered one of the most significant hurricanes in the Tampa area, the 15 foot (4.6 m) storm surge from the hurricane destroyed much of Tampa and nearby
Fort Brooke.[42]
October 11, 1848 – A major hurricane hits northwestern Florida, causing additional damage to the severe hurricane a few weeks before.[43]
1850–1859
August 23, 1850 – A large hurricane strikes near
Apalachicola, with its powerful storm surge destroying many ships and flooding coastal roads.[44]
August 24, 1851 –
Apalachicola is hit by a major hurricane, causing severe damage in the
St. Marks area from its 12-foot (3.7 m)
storm tide.[45]
August 22, 1852 – The first hurricane of the season produces hurricane-force winds in the
Florida Keys.[45] It later makes landfall near the
Mississippi/
Alabama border, producing strong winds and a pressure of 980
mbar in
Pensacola.[46]
September 12, 1852 – The third hurricane of the season strikes near
Tampa, producing strong winds and high seas in coastal areas.[6] Rainfall from the storm totals 0.55 inches (14 mm) at
Fort Meade.[45]
October 9, 1852 –
St. Marks is hit by a moderate hurricane which results in downed trees and damage to multiple small structures.[6]
October 20, 1853 – A storm paralleling the northeastern Florida coastline produces hurricane-force winds and
coastal flooding.[6]
September 8, 1854 – The third hurricane of the season parallels the northeastern Florida coastline as a major hurricane before striking eastern
Georgia. Though it is very severe offshore, impact is minor in Florida.[6]
September 15, 1858 – The third tropical storm of the season hits near
Tampa Bay and causes little effects as it crosses the state.[6]
September 16, 1859 – A hurricane hits southern
Alabama and produces hurricane force conditions in western Florida. The storm produces heavy rainfall including a total of 3.3 inches (84 mm) in Barrancas Barracks, and destroys several buildings near the coast at
Pensacola. One ship is washed aground.[45]
October 17, 1859 – A tropical storm hits near
Fort Lauderdale, though effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
1860–1869
August 16, 1861 – The second hurricane of the season passes a short distance to the west of the
Florida Keys, producing 35 mph (55 km/h) winds at
Fort Jefferson.[48] The storm is believed to have later turned to the northeast, cross over the state, and wash a
Confederate ship ashore at
Saint Augustine.[6]
November 1, 1861 – A tropical storm hits near
Chokoloskee on the southwest coastline, crosses the state, and exits into the Atlantic Ocean near
Cape Canaveral. Impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
May 28, 1863 – Strong hurricane "Amanda" struck northwest Florida on May 28; the earliest landfall during a year known in the US.[49]
September 17, 1863 – An offshore tropical storm causes disruption in shipping in the coastal waters off eastern Florida.[6]
October 23, 1865 – The final hurricane of the season passes through the western
Florida Keys and hits near
Cape Sable, producing heavy rainfall of 4.1 inches (104 mm) in
Key West and strong winds throughout the state.[45]
October 6, 1867 – A hurricane hits near the mouth of the
Steinhatchee River, though effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 4, 1868 –
Apalachicola is struck by a tropical storm. There were no reports of damage.[47]
1870–1879
October 9, 1870 – A
Category 2 hurricane moves northeastward through the
Florida Straits, producing hurricane-force winds across the southern portion of the state. Impact is unknown in the state.[45]
October 20, 1870 – The
eye of a moderate hurricane passes over the
Dry Tortugas, producing heavy rainfall and widespread debris. It later strikes
Chokoloskee, crosses the state, and tracks out to sea.[45] Numerous fatalities were reported in the state.[5]
August 17, 1871 – A major hurricane makes landfall near
Palm Beach with a pressure of 952
mbar.[45] The hurricane causes several shipwrecks on the Atlantic coastline, while in
Jacksonville moderate winds destroy the roofs of several weak buildings.[6]
August 25, 1871 – The fourth tropical storm and second hurricane of the season hits near
Palm Beach, causing at least one shipwreck along the coastline.[6]
September 6, 1871 – A minor hurricane hits near the mouth of the
Steinhatchee River and produces heavy rainfall across the state.[6]
October 5, 1871 –
Saint Marks is struck by a tropical storm, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 23, 1872 – A tropical storm hits near
Tampa and produces 5.94 inches (151 mm) of rainfall in
Jacksonville.[6]
June 2, 1873 – The first storm of the season hits near the Florida/
Georgia border and produces light winds, including a report of 28 mph (45 km/h) in
Jacksonville.[6]
September 23, 1873 –
Tampa is struck by a tropical storm. Its impact is unknown.[47]
October 7, 1873 – A major hurricane makes landfall near
Fort Myers and causes heavy damage in
Punta Rassa from its 14-foot (4.3 m)
storm tide.[45]
September 28, 1874 – The sixth storm and third hurricane of the season hits near
Yankeetown and, after briefly being downgraded to a tropical storm, exits later that day near the Florida-
Georgia state line. Impact is unknown.[47]
September 14, 1875 –
Key West reports 45 mph (70 km/h) winds in association with a hurricane that passes to the southwest of the state.[50]
September 27, 1875 – A tropical storm hits near
Panama City before quickly dissipating. Its effects are unknown.[45]
September 16, 1876 –
Jacksonville experiences 22 mph (35 km/h) from a tropical storm paralleling the east coast of Florida.[6]
October 20, 1876 – A moderate hurricane passes near
Key West and later strikes near
Cape Sable, though its impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
September 19, 1877 – After hitting southern
Louisiana, a hurricane makes landfall near
Panama City, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 26, 1877 – A tropical storm hits near
Cedar Key, causing no known damage.[6]
July 2, 1878 – The first storm of the season moves onshore just south of
Fort Myers, though its effects are unknown.[47]
September 8, 1878 – A tropical storm hits near
Key Largo, moves northwestward, and strengthens in the
Gulf of Mexico before looping to the northeast and striking near
Yankeetown as a
Category 2 hurricane.[47] Rainfall reaches 4.93 inches (155 mm) in
Key West,[51] and in
Jacksonville the storm produces a pressure of 989
mbar and winds of up to 48 mph (77 km/h). There, high tides result in flooding near waterways.[6] At least one death was reported in the state.[2]
October 10, 1878 – Heavy amounts of precipitation is caused by a tropical storm making landfall near
Apalachacola.[51]
October 21, 1878 –
A hurricane paralleling the east coast of Florida produces winds in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h) along the coastline and rainfall peaking at 4.8 inches (122 mm) at
Key West. Over a dozen ships are driven aground.[52]
October 16, 1879 –
Pensacola is struck by a weak tropical storm which produces light winds and moderate rainfall peaking at 2.36 inches (60 mm) in
Saint Marks.[53]
October 27, 1879 – A tropical storm hits near
Cedar Key, producing gusty winds in
Jacksonville but causing no known damage.[6]
1880–1889
August 29, 1880 –68 people die from a shipwreck as a result of a
Category 2 hurricane making landfall just to the south of
Cocoa Beach, Florida.[47] Several other ships are washed ashore from
Jupiter Inlet to the mouth of the
St. Johns River, and another is damaged in the
Gulf of Mexico after the hurricane crosses the state. In
Cedar Key it is considered one of the worst hurricanes on record, with several buildings destroyed.[54]
September 8, 1880 – A tropical storm hits near
Yankeetown, producing light amounts of rain and wind across the northern portion of the state.[6]
October 8, 1880 – The ninth storm and eighth hurricane of the season moves ashore just south of Yankeetown, though its impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
August 1, 1881 –
Pensacola reports 15.95 inches (405 mm) of rainfall in association with a tropical storm that hits near the
Alabama/
Mississippi border.[55]
August 17, 1881 – A northeastward moving tropical storm passes just south of the
Florida Keys and produces heavy rainfall and winds peaking at 28 mph (45 km/h) in Punta Russa.[55]
September 10, 1882 – The second hurricane of the season makes landfall as a major hurricane at
Pensacola, where it was considered to be among the most severe on record. Several boats are washed ashore along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. In and around
Jacksonville, the strong winds greatly damage the cotton crop and destroy several buildings, killing five people.[56]
October 11, 1882 – A minimal hurricane hits near
Yankeetown, causing moderate coastal flooding and heavy rainfall.[56]
September 10, 1883 –
Jacksonville reports heavy rainfall in intervals and moderate winds from a hurricane paralleling the eastern coastline.[57]
September 10, 1884 – An offshore tropical storm which later becomes a hurricane produces higher than normal tides in northeastern Florida.[6]
August 24, 1885 – Light rainfall and gale-force winds is reported in
Jacksonville in association with a hurricane paralleling the eastern coastline.[58]
August 30, September 21, and September 30, 1885 – Three tropical storms affect western Florida. Winds were not exceptionally strong, though the passage of the three storms contribute to a wet month in some portions of northern Florida, with precipitation accumulating to around 20 inches (500 mm) of rain.[6]
October 11, 1885 – The eighth storm of the season hits near the mouth of the
Steinhatchee River, producing localized street flooding and moderate winds.[6]
June 21, 1886 – An unusual
Category 2 hurricane in the month of June strikes near
St. Marks, producing strong winds gusts but little damage.[59]
June 30, 1886 – A week after the previous storm, another Category 2 hurricane hits the central
Florida Panhandle, causing damage to numerous ships and capsizing several others. The winds of the hurricane destroy dozens of houses and buildings, killing several people.[59]
July 19, 1886 – The fourth storm of the season makes landfall near
Yankeetown and produces gusty winds yet little damage.[59]
July 27, 1887 – A hurricane hits near
Pensacola and produces heavy rainfall peaking at 8 inches (203 mm) in
Cedar Key. The rainfall, in combination with strong winds and rough seas, cause heavy damage to crops and roads.[61]
August 22, 1887 – A major hurricane paralleling the eastern coastline produces strong winds near the coast.[61]
October 20, 1887 – Heavy rainfall is reported in association with a hurricane crossing the northwestern
Florida Panhandle.[61]
October 30, 1887 – The sixteenth storm of the season hits near
Tampa, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
August 16, 1888 – A major hurricane moves ashore on southeastern Florida, producing 2.02 inches (51 mm) of precipitation at
Jupiter and a storm tide of 14 feet (4.3 m) at
Miami. Damage is unknown.[45][62]
September 7, 1888 – 2.48 inches (63 mm) of rain is recorded in
Fort Meade in association with a tropical storm striking near
Palm Beach.[63]
September 23, 1888 – The sixth storm of the season formed just south of the
Florida Keys before briefly moving onshore in the extreme southeastern portion of the state. Effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
June 17, 1889 – The second storm of the season moves ashore near
Yankeetown. Impact, if any, is unknown.[47]
September 23, 1889 – After weakening from hurricane status, a tropical storm makes landfall on
Pensacola, though its effects, if any, are unknown.[47]
October 6, 1889 – The final storm of the season strikes extreme southern Florida after passing through the Florida Keys, causing no known effects.[47]
1890–1899
August 24, 1891 – A minimal hurricane hits near
Homestead, though due to lack of observations near the landfall location its impact in the state is unknown.[45]
October 7, 1891 – The seventh storm of the season strikes
Cape Sable and causes no known impact.[47]
June 10, 1892 – A tropical storm which makes landfall near
Cape Sable drops large amounts of precipitation across the southern Florida.[64]
September 12, 1892 – Southeastern
Louisiana is hit by a tropical storm, with winds in
Pensacola reaching 47 mph (76 km/h).[65]
October 24, 1892 – Heavy rainfall is reported in southern Florida as a result of a tropical storm hitting
Tampa Bay.[64]
June 16, 1893 –
Saint Marks is struck by a tropical storm. Moderate winds and rainfall occurs throughout the northeastern portion of the state,[66] including a total of 1.51 inches in
Jacksonville.[6]
August 27, 1893 – The
Sea Islands Hurricane parallels the eastern coastline as a major hurricane, producing winds in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h) near the coast. The winds destroy nine cottages in
Mayport.[6]
October 12, 1893 – A major hurricane parallels the coastline about 60 miles (95 km) offshore. The
storm tide was high enough that at low tide, it was at the position of the normal high tide mark. The tide caused street flooding in
Saint Augustine, with heavy damage reported in
Mayport.[6]
August 7, 1894 – The second storm of the season hits just west of the Florida/
Alabama border.
Pensacola reports 50 mph (80 km/h) winds in association with the storm, though damage, if any, is unknown.[67]
September 25, 1894 –
A hurricane makes landfall near
Fort Myers. In
Tampa, rainfall reached 13.78 inches (350 mm), causing coastal flooding in areas.[68] Heavy damage was reported in several cities in northeastern Florida.[6]
October 9, 1894 – A major hurricane hits moves ashore near
Pensacola, producing high tides and heavy rainfall.[68]
October 2, 1895 – Heavy rainfall occurs in southern Florida as a result of a tropical storm passing a short distance to the south of the state.[69]
October 16, 1895 –
Naples is struck by a tropical storm whose impact is unknown.[47]
October 22, 1895 – An offshore hurricane causes high tides and strong winds in southeastern Florida.[69]
July 7, 1896 – A
Category 2 hurricane hits near
Pensacola. There, strong winds destroy the roofs of about 35 houses and wreck 9 boats. Damage in the city is estimated at over $100,000 (1896 USD, $2.6 million 2008 USD).[70]
September 29, 1896 – The
fourth storm makes landfall as a major hurricane on
Yankeetown with a pressure of 960
mbar. Strong winds downed hundreds of trees and caused severe damage amounting to $1.5 million (1896 USD, $36 million 2006 USD).[70] Multiple deaths were reported in the state.[5]
October 9, 1896 – A tropical storm hits near
Fort Myers, though its impact is unknown.[47]
September 11, 1897 – An anemometer in
Pensacola reports winds of 43 mph (69 km/h) from a hurricane in the
Gulf of Mexico. It is unknown if the hurricane causes damage in the state.[71]
September 21, 1897 – The third storm of the season moves ashore just north of Fort Myers and produces heavy rainfall, including a 24‑hour total of 6.56 inches (166 mm) in
Tampa.[72]
August 2, 1898 – A tropical storm makes landfall near
Palm Beach, crosses the state, and intensifies in the
Gulf of Mexico before hitting
Apalachicola as a hurricane. Three barges, four tug boats, and several boats are destroyed, and numerous wharves and dwellings are damaged as a result of the storm. Four people die from the shipwrecks.[73]
October 2, 1898 – A
Category 4 hurricane hits southern
Georgia, causing severe damage in the extreme northeastern portion of the state. A
storm surge of 12 feet floods and damages several buildings along the
Fernandina waterfront.[6] A conservative estimate for total damage in the state is $500,000 (1898 USD, $13 million 2008 USD).[73]
August 1, 1899 – After previously moving across southwestern Florida, a
Category 2 hurricane strikes
Apalachicola. The storm causes $575,000 in boat, crop, and property damage (1899 USD, $14.8 million 2008 USD), and also results in six fatalities.[74]
August 13, 1899 – The
San Ciriaco Hurricane parallels the eastern coastline, producing moderate winds and light damage.[74]
October 5, 1899 – A tropical storm hits near
Tampa and sinks a schooner off
Fernandina Beach.[6]
October 30, 1899 – A hurricane parallels the eastern Florida coastline, with several locations near the coast recording strong winds in association with the storm. No cases of serious damage are reported.[74]
Monthly statistics
Number of recorded storms affecting Florida
Month
Number of storms
June
10
July
6
August
35
September
56
October
53
November
1
Deadly storms
The following is a list of hurricanes with known deaths in the state. Several other hurricanes killed an unknown number of people in Florida, and multiple others left several missing.